During this Holiday Season, We hope that You and Your Family will be Celebrating and Rejoicing Together. We wish you Good Luck, Health, Happiness, and Prosperity. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Christ is Born! Praise Him! BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATION OF UKRAINIAN FRATERNAL SOCIETY OF CANADA Inside this issue: Donations 2 Where Are They Now ? 3 2007 Scholarship Recipients 4 Costumes of Ukraine 5 Know Your Tax Rules 9 Pension Splitting 11 Seasonal 13 Just For Fun 20 XLV 2 (69) 2007 Winter Issue Vol. XLV No. 2 (69) NEWS BULLETIN БЮЛЕТЕНЬ
24
Embed
NEWS BULLETIN БЮЛЕТЕНЬ · Volyns’kyi, Luts’k, Rivno, Korets’, Zhytomyr, Nizhyn, Baturyn, Krolevets. A large part of Polissia Region now belongs to Byelorussian SSR.
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
During this Holiday Season,
We hope that You and Your Family
will be Celebrating and Rejoicing Together.
We wish you Good Luck, Health,
Happiness, and Prosperity.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Christ is Born! Praise Him!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADMINISTRATION OF UKRAINIAN FRATERNAL SOCIETY OF CANADA
Inside this issue:
Donations 2
Where Are They Now ?
3
2007 Scholarship Recipients
4
Costumes of Ukraine
5
Know Your Tax Rules
9
Pension Splitting 11
Seasonal 13
Just For Fun 20
XLV 2 (69) 2007 Winter Issue Vol. XLV No. 2 (69)
NEWS BULLETIN БЮЛЕТЕНЬ
Page 2 2007 Winter Issue
Donations HEAD OFFICE
- Ukrainian Canadian Congress
- Veselka Summer Camp
- Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education
- Ukrainian Self-Reliance League of Canada
- Rozmai Winnipeg CYMK Ukrainian Dancers
- O Koshetz Choir
- Ukrainian National Home Association
ALBERTA
- Ukrainian International Bilingual Program
Ukrainian Summer Camp & Summer Language Study Rebate Program
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the following changes to this popular program.
Beginning with the 2007 Summer Programs -
The weekly rebate INCREASES from $ 25.00 TO $ 50.00
to a maximum of $ 100.00 for two weeks
The age limit INCREASES from 16 TO 18
The Ukrainian Fraternal Society of Canada offers a rebate
to Youth Members who:
attend a Ukrainian Summer Camp or
participate in a Ukrainian Language Summer Study Program
This rebate is offered to existing Youth Members and to new Youth Members
who become insured with the Fraternal in the current year.
A Youth Member is the insured person of a Child’s Insurance Plan.
Official receipts are required in order to qualify for the rebates.
Insurance Application Information and Rebate Application Forms
are available from the Head Office or a local Branch Representative.
December 31, 2007 is the Deadline for 2007 Refund Requests
Requests received after December 31 will be declined
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 3
In Memoriam
Our Sincerest Condolences
to the families and friends of the Members
who have died
Where Are They Now ? Thank you for helping us find so many of our ‘missing’ members from our previous lists. We still have a few
members though for whom we need current addresses. Please check the list – if you recognize anyone,
contact your Branch, Head Office, or send in the Change of Address Notice form on the back page. These
members, or their next of kin, are not participating in the benefits due to them as UFSC members.
Thank you
BRANCH MEMBER LAST KNOWN RESIDENCE
4 VANDAL Rachelle Winnipeg MB
6 SEMENIUK Ivan Toronto ON
15 CHERNICHAN Michael & Kevin Edmonton AB
34 MOSEWICH Marianne Saskatoon SK
38 KOTOVA Luba & Tanya Mississauga ON
Page 4 2007 Winter Issue
2007 Scholarship Award Recipients
In August 2007, Nicholas began his post graduate studies at Red Riv-er Community College in Winnipeg MB in the Graphic Design Pro-gram.
Nicholas is active in CYMK and has demonstrated exceptional artistic and musical talents. He has participated in various cultural and ethnic activities including performing as a member of the High Profile Band and as a dancer with the Rozmai Ukrainian Dance Ensemble at the Folklorama Kyiv Pavilion. He has studied at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People for four years, been part of the chorus in the Little Opera Production of ‘ Hansel & Gretel ‘, has been a member of the Winnipeg Youth Chorus for six seasons, performs with the East Kildonan Jazz Quartet, and has completed Grade 5 piano through the Toronto Conservatory program.
In addition, he is the winner of the Animation Award for the Reel Views component of the Freeze Frame International Children’s Film
Festival (2007) for “Visible Minority” and is the Silver Medallist in the Skills Canada/Manitoba Competition (2007) in 2D Computer Animation.
Nicholas Luchak
Taras Monastyrski (R) MB Provincial Director presents Nicholas Luchak (L)
with his $ 1,000 award
Devan Trischuk’s hometown is Yorkton SK although he is presently living in
Waterloo ON where he in enrolled at the University of Waterloo, Faculty of
Optometry.
Devan graduated from the University of Alberta in 2007 with an Honors of
Physiology Bachelor of Science Degree, While attending U of A, he lived at St
John’s Institute for three years and was involved in the Student Representative
Council supporting and helping to organize various extracurricular activities.
At the U of A, he worked with Dr Karpinski and Yves Sauve, Associate Professor
of Ophthalmology and Physiology, in a lab on a research project involving macro
degeneration of the eye. He was also involved on the Science Student Council
and was a member of the Physiology Honors Association. Academically, Devan
remained on the Dean’s Honor Roll and was inducted into the Golden Key
International Honor Society.
Devan was involved in the intramural sports program which included participating in hockey, soccer, tennis,
and volleyball. As a volunteer, Devan continues with the Red Cross Society and while in Edmonton he
volunteered as a mentor in one of the public elementary schools.
Devan is the son of Dr Bernie and MaryAnn Trischuk of Yorkton SK and the grandson of Bill and Pat
Trischuk of Cudworth SK, and the late Paul and Doreen Ortynsky of Canora SK.
Devan Trischuk
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 5
Costumes of Ukraine For this issue we are featuring the Polissia, Volyn, Hutsul, and Boiko regions.
Polissia Region
This region includes: Mozyr, northern part of Kyiv, Chernihiv and Sumy Provinces, Kholm, Volodymyr
Volyns’kyi, Luts’k, Rivno, Korets’, Zhytomyr, Nizhyn, Baturyn, Krolevets. A large part of Polissia Region now
belongs to Byelorussian SSR.
Women
Shirt: the festive shirt had a rolled collar that was decorated with red
embroidery and black accents.
Skirt: in this region women wore woolen skirts decorated with woven
multi-coloured stripes along the hem.
Apron: it was white with a red woven design.
Footwear: sometimes women wore lychaky, shoes made from the
inner bark of the basswood or birch trees.
Men
Head covering: the summer head covering was special – a home
made brimless felt cap, in grey or brown. In winter men wore a
white woolen cap that was square at the crown and had fur earflaps.
Footwear: workmen wore postoly that were made from willow or
linden bast. Every man from the region had to know how to weave
them. The postoly had laces that were tied to the leg all the way up
to the knee.
(Continued on page 6)
Polissia Region Matron
Polissia Region Man
Page 6 2007 Winter Issue
Costumes of Ukraine
Volyn’ Region
The Volyn’ Region includes southern parts of Volyn’, Rivne, Zhytomyr Provinces, and the northern parts of
Ternopil’ and Khmel’nyts’ka Provinces.
The Pidliashia Region influences the Volyn’ Province with its fitted vest and bright skirt, woven in stripes. The
influence of the Dnipro Region is evident in the Rivne and Zhytomyr Provinces with the kerchief, loose vest,
and a dark woven skirt.
Women
Shirt: the shirt was made from one piece of fabric and was below the
knees in length. It was embroidered in red and black on the shoulder
pieces, the collar, cuffs, and around the front opening on the bodice.
Vest: it reached mid-thigh, did not close in front and was made of grey or
brown fabric.
Footwear: women wore lychaky with string ties.
Men
Head covering: in cooler weather rectangular hats that were made of
fabric and the notches were trimmed with black cord
Shirt: embroidered in the front, on the standing collar, and on the
cuffs. Over the years this area developed its own typical geometric
and floral embroidery designs in black and red.
Sash: it was narrow and red colour with black and yellow stripes. It
was tied on the left side over a shirt.
Footwear: men wore shoes called lychaky which were plaited from
willow or linden bark.
(Continued from page 5)
(Continued on page 7)
Volyn’ Region Man
Volyn’ Region Matron
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 7
Costumes of Ukraine
Hutsul Region
The Hutsul Region encompasses parts of the Chernivtsi, Ivano-Frankivsk regions and Romania. The people
inhabit the most inaccessible part of the Carpathian Mountains. For this reason they have all the attributes of
the highlanders’ way of life, such as adaptability to the severe mountain climate and living conditions, and a
strong attachment to their customs. Their folk dress differs from other regions in its richness of colouring and
ornamentation.
Women Hairstyle and head covering: for holidays the hair was parted in the middle to create
two braids. A red ribbon and cord strung with copper buttons were braided into the
hair. The ends of both braids were connected at the crown. A lace of yarn ribbon
was tied around the hair to hold it in place. A flower was then attached at the back.
Necklace: the oldest neck jewelry was copper crosses or metal decorations strung
on a chain. Next were strands of Venetian beads with coloured designs and gold
detail. Then came red coral beads with attached coins. Finally there were tiny glass
beads woven into bands which wrapped around the neck in the style of a chocker.
Skirt: the skirt was tied around the waist with the length being just below the knees.
For everyday wear, the skirts were woven in horizontal stripes, and for holidays gold
or silver metallic threads were woven in.
Vest: due to the severe mountain climate the vest was worn year round. It was made
from sheepskin with the fur to the inside. The vests that were worn on holidays were
elaborately decorated with coloured leather, yarn, leather braids, and metal work on
the front.
Footwear: it was comprised of woolen knee socks and laced-up moccasins.
Men Head covering: for summer men wore a black felt hat. In winter, fur cups of various
shapes were worn.
Shirt: the shirt was embroidered only on the collar, front, and cuffs. In this region the
shirt was short and was worn over the pants.
Pants: were made of red or black fabric.
Belt: the wide leather belt was fastened with three buckles. It was worn over the
shirt, and had pockets on the inside for a pipe, knife, and a leather pouch.
Vest: men wore vests that were very similar to women’s vests, but with a standing
collar.
Footwear: the shoes were called postoly and made from pigskin or cowhide. They
had pointed toes that were curved upward. The postoly were tied to the foot with the
laces wound around the ankle. Young Hutsuls wore boots instead of postoly.
(Continued from page 6)
(Continued on page 8)
Hutsul Region Matron
Hutsul Region Man
Page 8 2007 Winter Issue
Costumes of Ukraine
Boiko Region
The Boiko Region encompasses Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions. The clothing in this Region is neither
richly ornamented nor colourful. Although modest, it is greatly detailed and finely worked, with delicate
embroidery.
Women
Head covering: for holidays women wove strands of red or green yarn into their
braids.
Necklace: first tied on the neck was a narrow band of tiny seed beads woven into a
design. Below that were a few strands of coral beads, strung together with a metal
buttons and crosses. Below the coral hung strands of light shiny multicolored beads.
Shirt: the front of the shirt was gathered with a thread, and reinforced outside with
coloured threads. The rolled collar was most common and it was tied at the front with
a plaited cord with tassels at the ends. Earlier the embroidery was geometric lines,
zigzags, and rhombs, later floral motifs appeared.
Skirt: the skirt was made from five widths of fabric, four of which were gathered, and
the fifth (the front) was left smooth. It was embroidered at the bottom.
Vest: it was made of white fabric, trimmed in Persian lamb and richly embroidered
with plant motifs.
Footwear: due to the climate conditions of this region the footwear was special. First,
the leg was wrapped from the ankle to below the knee with a long footcloth. Then a
footless cloth stocking was pulled on. Then the foot was wrapped with a rectangular
piece of cloth, placed into a leather shoe and tied with laces from the ankle to below
the knee.
Men
Shirt: men wore long shirts over the pants with rolled collars. The shirts were
embroidered on the collar, cuffs, and the front on either side of the opening with a
narrow design. The shoulder piece was decorated with narrow red embroidery for
the younger men, and black for the older, married men.
Belt: over the shirt, around the waist, men wore wide, leather, black, brown or grey
belts. It was richly ornamented with embossed designs, metal buttons and rings. A
tobacco pouch was attached to the belt.
Vest: the vests were made of black, grey, or brown fabric and buttoned in front, or
the vests were made of fur.
Footwear: was the same as for the women.
(Continued from page 7)
Boika Region Matron
Boiko Region Man
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 9
Students
Must keep good records to save themselves (or their parents) some money:
Keep receipts
They are needed to claim tuition, education, and textbook allowances on federal tax returns, or
to transfer the credits to other family members, if allowed
For any moving expenses. Students attending a distant post-secondary institution can deduct
the costs of moving closer to their workplace for summer (even to home) under certain
conditions.
File tax returns
Students having any kind of earned income from summer or part-time jobs should be sure to
file tax returns, even if they don’t need to pay any income tax immediately.
The reasons: earned income will result in RRSP contribution room for the future. The credits
will mean less tax will be payable in some future year when they start to work full time.
Moreover, some of the tuition, education, or textbook allowances may be carried over to future
years if not required to reduce current income tax to zero. Future GST rebates are also a
possibility.
Pension splitting
For 2007, pensioners are able to transfer up to 50% of income that is eligible for the Pension
Income Credit to the return of the spouse or common-in-law partner. This can reduce
combined taxes and clawback of OAS.
RRSP & RRIF conversion age
For 2007 and beyond, you have until the end of the year in which your turn age 71 to convert
your RRSP or LIRA into a RRIF, LIF, or annuity. You can contribute to your own RRSP up to
age 71 (or beyond that, if you have earned income and a spouse who is age 71 or younger at
December 31).
If you are 69 or 70 and already receiving RRIF or LIF income, you can commute your RRIF or
LIF back into an RRSP or LIRA. You can also re-contribute any withdrawals you made
between January 1, 2007 and the date of the budget, March 14, 2007, and get a deduction.
However, any withdrawals since then are yours to keep and pay tax on.
If you don’t need the money, you can still ask your financial institution to ‘turn off’ the payments
until you are forced to take them. This defers tax.
(Continued on page 10)
Know Your Tax Rules
Page 10 2007 Winter Issue
RESP
The federal government will now provide a 20% grant on the first $ 2,500. the annual maximum
contribution of $ 4,000 has been removed and RESP withdrawals can now be made for a
part-time student, not just full-time.
Children’s fitness tax credit
Parents can claim up to $ 500 of physical activity registration and membership fees per child,
and earn a federal credit of about 23% of the fees.
Canada employment amount
This provides up to a $ 1,000 credit for taxpayers with employment income of more than
$ 1,000, for employment expenses such as work uniforms, supplies and home computers.
Trades people
Now can claim a deduction of up to $ 500 for tool purchases in excess of $ 1,000 which are
required as a condition of employment. Self-employed trades people can now claim capital
cost allowances on $ 500 worth of tools, up to a $ 200 claim. Long haul truckers can now de-
duct a higher percentage of their food on the road.
Apprentices
Are eligible for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant of up to $ 1,000 and employers can claim a
credit for hiring apprentices in an approved program.
Transit pass credit
This is available for those who buy transit passes (not for daily cash fares) and amounts can
be claimed for a spouse and minor children. Be sure to you’re your receipts
Medical expenses
Cost of drugs purchased under the Special Access Program are an allowable expense.
This is general information only and professional advice should be obtained regarding any individual’s
particular tax position.
- portions from Winnipeg Free Press
(Continued from page 9)
Know Your Tax Rules
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 11
If you or your spouse receives pension income, you might be eligible to take advantage of the Federal
Government’s Pension Splitting that will be effective for the 2007 tax year.
For people who reach the age of 65 on or before December 31, 2007, eligible pension income for splitting
between spouses includes:
$ Lifetime annuity payments from a registered pension plan (RPP)
$ Withdrawals from a registered retirement income fund (RRIF), life income fund (LIF), or locked-in
retirement income fund (LRIF)
$ Annuity income (not lump-sum withdrawals) from a registered savings plan (RRSP) or deferred
profit-sharing plan (DPSP)
$ Taxable portions of prescribed annuities
$ Foreign pension income that is taxable in Canada
For people under the age of 65, eligible pension income for splitting between spouses includes:
$ Monthly payments from an RPP
$ Guaranteed payments remaining from a life annuity of a deceased spouse – eligible for splitting on the
deceased’s final tax return or with another individual the surviving spouse marries or lives with in a
common-law relationship
$ Foreign pension income that is taxable in Canada
Eligible Pensioner
An individual resident in Canada on December 31 or one who dies during the year and was a resident in
Canada immediately before death qualifies for Pension Splitting.
As long as the pension income qualifies, there is no age requirement for Pension Splitting. Therefore,
Canadians still in their 50s and working somewhere other than where the pension originates can participate.
Eligible Pension Transferee
A qualifying individual may split eligible pension income with a spouse – married or common law and not
living apart for more than 90 days during the year.
Eligible Amounts
A maximum 50% of eligible pension income may be split and the allocation is made on the income tax return
of both individuals. Unlike CPP benefits that are split between spouses, no change in income distribution is
required for the new Pension Splitting. Also, unlike other types of income allocation, eligible couples decide
each year the most advantageous division for income tax purposes.
(Continued on page 12)
Pension Splitting
Page 12 2007 Winter Issue
If the spouse receiving the eligible income dies or the marital status changes during the year, the income
available for splitting is prorated accordingly.
Benefits of Pension Splitting
There are four main benefits resulting for Pension Splitting:
Shifting income to a spouse who is in a lower tax bracket
Reducing or eliminating Old Age Security (OAS) clawbacks
Reducing or eliminating Age Amount Credit clawbacks
Providing qualifying income for the Pension Credit for a spouse who might not previously have had
eligible income
Tax Refunds
Pension Splitting could result in significant tax refunds for many couples. Unfortunately the legislation
specifically states that the required source deductions will be unaffected. That means the eligible pension
income will continue to be taxed the same as always and the tax savings won’t be realized until the couple
files their income tax returns. The details regarding this are not yet finalized. However, the legislation does
provide for re-allocation of amounts withheld at source on income that is split. Therefore, the spouse whose
income tax increases will not be required to actually send the amount to the tax department. Rather, the tax
department will reallocate the amount from the taxes paid on the original pension income.
If you are eligible to take advantage of Pension Splitting, you and your spouse’s specific allocations will be calculated when your 2007 tax returns are filed. Be sure to confirm the appropriate amount(s) to be split with your tax preparer.
- portions from Nakamun Advisor
(Continued from page 11)
Pension Splitting
Counting To Ten
There are moments when our patience is pushed to the limit. Here are just a few of those moments:
You slice your tongue licking an envelope.
You realize that after hours of assembly, there is one part missing.
Your tire gauge lets out half the air while you’re trying to get a reading.
You wash a garment with tissue in the pocket and your entire load comes out covered with lint.
The car behind you blasts its horn because you let a pedestrian finish crossing.
A piece of foil candy wrapper makes electrical contact with your filling.
News Bulletin БЮЛЕТЕНЬ Page 13
Christmas, which takes its name from Christ’s Mass, was first celebrated on various dates from about
200 AD, but was finally set as December 25 by Bishop Liberus of Rome in 354 AD. The December date,
which almost coincides with the winter solstice, became a popular festival in west Europe during the Middle
Ages.
When Kyivan-Rus’ (the first Ukrainian state) under Prince Volodymyr accepted Christianity from Byzantium in
988 AD, many pagan traditions, which were in existence at the time, were adapted by the Church to the new
religion. Some of those traditions have survived a thousand years and now form a part of today’s Christmas
celebrations.
Sviata Vecheria or “Holy Supper” is the central tradition of the beautiful Christmas Eve celebration in
Ukrainian homes. The dinner table sometimes has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered tablecloth as a
reminder of the manger in Bethlehem. A kolach, or braided ring-shaped bread, symbolic of the eternity and
life, serves as a centerpiece for the meal. The table always has one extra place setting for deceased family
members, whose souls, according to belief, come on Christmas Eve to partake of the food. It is also
appropriate for families to wear their Ukrainian embroidered shirts on this occasion.
Sviata Vecheria consists of twelve meatless courses because, according to the Christian tradition, each
course is dedicated to one of Christ’s Apostles. According to ancient pagan belief, each course was for every
full moon during the course of the year. The courses are meatless because there is a period of fasting
required by the Church until Christmas Day.
When the children see the first Star in the eastern evening sky, which symbolizes the trek of the Three Wise
Men, the Sviata Vecheria may begin. In farming communities, the head of the household now brings in a
sheaf of wheat called the didukh, which represents the importance of the ancient and rich wheat crops of
Ukraine, the staff of life through the centuries. Didukh means literally “grandfather spirit” so it symbolizes the
family’s ancestors. In city homes, a smaller symbolic sheaf of golden wheat in a vase is often used to
decorate the table or placed in a corner of the dining room near the family’s icons.
At the start of the meal, either a prayer is said or the family sings the ancient carol Boh predvichny (God
Eternal) which has a very beautiful melody and lyrics. The father then says the traditional Christmas greeting,
“Khrystos rodyvsia!” (Christ is born!), which is answered by the family with “Slavite Yoho!” (Let Us Glorify
Him!) In some families the Old Slavic form Khrystos razhdayetsia is used.
The first course is always kutia – an ancient and symbolic dish consisting of wheat, honey, poppy seeds and
perhaps nuts, ingredients representative of the land. After kutia, the other dishes follow: borscht with vushka
(boiled dumplings filled with chopped mushrooms and onions); followed by a variety of fish (baked, broiled,
fried, cold in aspic, fish balls, marinated herring and so on); varenyky (with a variety of fillings such as
cabbage, potatoes, buckwheat or prunes); holubtsi, salads with the supper ending with uzvar (stewed fruits,
which should contain twelve different fruits). Recipes to these traditional dishes, are available on the internet
at http://pages.prodigy.net/I.hodges/xmas.htm.
Following Sviata Vecheria, the family sings koliadky (Christmas Carols) or visit friends and family members
who were unable to attend. The evening usually culminates with a late or midnight Ukrainian liturgy.
(Continued on page 14)
Experiencing the Spirit of Christmas
Page 14 2007 Winter Issue
In many communities the Ukrainian tradition of koliada (caroling) or Vertep (mini Christmas play with carols)
are carried on by groups of young people and members of organizations and churches calling at homes and
collecting donations. Although not usually done on Sviata Vecheria (Christmas Eve), some may choose to
begin their caroling with a few close friends and then continue for the next few evenings.
Kutia
475 ml (2 cups) cleaned wheat 125 ml (1/2 cups) chopped walnuts or pecans 3-3.5 litres (12 ½ -15 cups) water 80 ml (1/3 cup) honey 250 ml (1 cup) cleaned poppy seed 125 ml (1/2 cup) hot water 160 ml (2/3 cup) sugar
Wash the wheat in cold water and soak overnight in 3 to 4 quarts of water. The next day, bring the water to a boil then simmer for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The wheat is ready when the kernels burst open and the fluid is thick and creamy. Chop the poppy seed in a food processor and set aside (ground poppy seeds may be substituted). Mix honey, sugar and hot water. Before serving, mix the honey mixture, poppy seeds, chopped nuts and wheat. More honey can be added to taste.
y X y y y y
To see musical notes for Boh Predvivhnyi, visit the website